1. Program Philosophy, Mission, and Goals
Program Philosophy
The Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program at the Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions of Health Professions immerses students in the study of medicine through an integrated curriculum and prepares graduates for collaborative practice across a variety of healthcare settings. The program is based on a philosophy that values professionalism, respect for all individuals, and the provision of excellent team-based, person-centered care. We believe that physician assistants or physician associates (PAs) play a vital role in addressing the healthcare needs of individuals, families, and communities.
Professional education is a dynamic process, preparing graduates to be competent, broadly skilled, reflective practitioners in primary care and specialty care settings. As medicine continues to evolve at an increasingly rapid pace, it is imperative that our students develop the ability to identify what they don’t know and need to know and can apply evidence-based techniques to find reliable answers, applying that knowledge and their skills to deliver competent, compassionate care. The PA program curriculum has been designed to meet the needs of adult learners across its didactic and clinical experiences. The curriculum fosters inquiry, clinical reasoning, problem solving and ethical decision-making in a scholarly environment within which students and faculty share responsibility for lifelong learning.
Mission Statement
To prepare PA graduates to provide highly competent medical care as members and leaders of interprofessional teams by cultivating and upholding compassion, equity, and justice.
Vision
Elevate the standard of PA education through a continuously evolving curriculum that shapes graduates into interprofessional team leaders and advocates that address emerging challenges in healthcare.
Goals
1. Recruit highly qualified applicants who can successfully complete the program.
Benchmarks:
1. Admission data – GPA, PCE, HCE
a. Undergraduate GPA >3.5
b. Undergraduate Science GPA >3.5
c. Patient Care Experience Hours: >2500
2.Graduation rates.
a.>92%
2. Prepare students with the medical knowledge and clinical skills for entry level PA practice.
Benchmarks:
1.Summative exams:
a.EOC-first time pass rate 95%
b.OSCE – first time pass rate 95%
2.PANCE: 92% first time pass rate
3. Train graduates to practice within the MGB healthcare system.
Benchmarks:
1.Rates of deployment to institution-10%
4. Prepare students to provide culturally competent care for diverse patient populations.
Benchmarks:
-
Students achieve at least 3.5 on preceptor evaluation specific to this goal.